Business booming in the Mara as tourists flock to watch wildebeests
The wildebeest migration, one of the last remaining great mammal migrations in the world, has started in earnest with visitors from all over the world jamming Maasai Mara game reserve.
A Nation team that toured the resort at the weekend was met by safari enthusiasts from within and outside the country who scrambled to catch a glimpse of what is one of the world’s truly spectacular scenes.
The migration, determined mostly by climatic patterns, has coincided with the sprouting of long lush green and golden grass in the savannah, the result of rains that have recently fallen over the area.
Kenya Tourism Board managing director Muriithi Ndegwa says the rise in the water levels in the Mara was as a result of the conservation of the Mau Forest which is the catchment of the river.
An estimated 1.5 million wildebeests cross the Mara River in the months of June to August to graze and to mate, before returning to the Serengeti in the late October to November. As many as 500,000 zebra precede them.
“KTB is keen on contributing towards the survival of this crucial resource that has boosted our performance in the tourism sector with Maasai Mara being among our hot spots in terms of tourist attractions,” said Mr Ndegwa.
He called on the tourists to discover Kenya’s diversity by visiting other attractions within the country after witnessing the wildebeest migration.
“KTB has put in place diversification strategy to sell other niche products that include eco-tourism, sports, culture and conference tourism,” added Mr Ndegwa.
Sometimes the chosen crossing place is shallow, which allows the majority of the herds to cross safely. But often the river is deep and fast flowing, with steep banks on either side.
Many of the weaker animals are not able to cope with the strong river currents or the buffeting from other wildebeest as they swim.
Hundreds of animals can die during the crossing, littering the waters edge with corpses. These will be devoured by the numerous, hungry, and eagerly waiting crocodiles.
Mr Brian Heath, the director of the Mara Conservancy which manages the Mara Triangle on behalf of the Trans Mara county council says the migration started a few weeks late and had led to the swelling of waters in the Mara, a situation which he said was endangering the animals.
“It is an ironic situation. When the water levels are high, the plunge is more spectacular; but the animals die in their thousands.
“However, when the water levels are low, more animals survive, but visitors are disappointed that the crossing is not as interesting as it should be,” said Mr Heath.
Conservationists have however warned that if the environment around the Mara was not conserved, then the destination’s most important attraction will soon be history.
Dr Joseph Ogutu, a senior researcher at the University of Bohenheim, Germany, recently told the BBC that the annual wildebeest migration, for which the Mara is known, will soon be a thing of the past as it now involved “64 per cent fewer animals than in the early 1980s”.
Daily Nation: - News |Business booming in the Mara as tourists flock to watch wildebeests
GiffGaff
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Monday, 18 July 2011
Brisk business as tourists flock to lodges and camps
Tourist establishments in national parks and game reserves are packed with holidaymakers who have flocked to the country for wildlife safaris.
According to players in the tourism industry, investors in the sector are doing brisk business with lodges and camps in Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo West and Tsavo East national parks bursting at the seams with guests.
A majority of the tourists are in the country to witness the spectacular migration of wildebeests from Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Mara.
Ashnil Hotels marketing manager Paul Kurgat said their camps in Mara and Samburu are fully booked up to September. The camps have more than 100 beds.
Seven Wonders
Mr Kurgat said most of the tourists were from the US, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
“Tourists from the US and Europe have flocked to the Mara attracted by the migration of wildebeests which is one of the new Seven Wonders of the world,” he said.
“Lodges and camps in Samburu and Tsavo are also packed as holidaymakers have visited to watch wildlife,” he added.
HomeBusinessBusiness News Business News
Brisk business as tourists flock to lodges and camps
Share Bookmark Print Email
Email this article to a friend
Friend's Email Address
Your Email
Message
Submit Cancel
Rating
Photo/FILE Tourists gather to view wildebeests crossing the Mara river during a migration in Masaai Mara game reserve, 270 km (165 miles) southwest of capital Nairobi.
By MATHIAS RINGA mringa@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, July 17 2011 at 16:47
Share This Story
37
Share Tourist establishments in national parks and game reserves are packed with holidaymakers who have flocked to the country for wildlife safaris.
Related Stories
UN body paints scenic picture for tourism sector
South Africa seeks to woo more visitors
Serena Hotel gears up for Sh4bn upgrade as it unveils new camp
5.7 per cent economic growth can be achieved, says Uhuru
Empty Tunisian resort highlights tourism woes
According to players in the tourism industry, investors in the sector are doing brisk business with lodges and camps in Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo West and Tsavo East national parks bursting at the seams with guests.
A majority of the tourists are in the country to witness the spectacular migration of wildebeests from Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Mara.
Ashnil Hotels marketing manager Paul Kurgat said their camps in Mara and Samburu are fully booked up to September. The camps have more than 100 beds.
Seven Wonders
Mr Kurgat said most of the tourists were from the US, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
“Tourists from the US and Europe have flocked to the Mara attracted by the migration of wildebeests which is one of the new Seven Wonders of the world,” he said.
“Lodges and camps in Samburu and Tsavo are also packed as holidaymakers have visited to watch wildlife,” he added.
Mr Kurgat said there was a likelihood that the industry may perform better than last year if all goes well in the country.
Things were no different at the Sweet Waters Tented Camp, which was also packed to capacity.
“Since the beginning of this month, we have been busy as tourists are coming here for game drives. Bookings are trickling in for August to December,” manager James Odenyo said.
Sarova Hotels Coast regional general manager Mohamed Hersi said its establishments in Mara and Taita Hills are enjoying good business.
Mr Hersi said Sarova Mara camp, Sarova Salt Lick lodge and Sarova Taita Hills had registered impressive bookings.
“The high tourist season is here with us and the major focus for visitors is wild safaris. Our lodges and camps across the country are enjoying a boom in business,” he said.
“Most of the airlines from Europe have resumed their flights as passengers are coming on holiday in droves. This is a sign that the industry will do better this year,” he added.
Kenya Association of Tour Operators Coast branch chairperson Monika Solanki said tour companies have recorded brisk business in the wake of the high tourist season.
“I am glad that tour firms are now doing well as a result of the high tourist season. We expect good business up to December this year,” Ms Solanki said.
Daily Nation: - Business News |Brisk business as tourists flock to lodges and camps
According to players in the tourism industry, investors in the sector are doing brisk business with lodges and camps in Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo West and Tsavo East national parks bursting at the seams with guests.
A majority of the tourists are in the country to witness the spectacular migration of wildebeests from Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Mara.
Ashnil Hotels marketing manager Paul Kurgat said their camps in Mara and Samburu are fully booked up to September. The camps have more than 100 beds.
Seven Wonders
Mr Kurgat said most of the tourists were from the US, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
“Tourists from the US and Europe have flocked to the Mara attracted by the migration of wildebeests which is one of the new Seven Wonders of the world,” he said.
“Lodges and camps in Samburu and Tsavo are also packed as holidaymakers have visited to watch wildlife,” he added.
HomeBusinessBusiness News Business News
Brisk business as tourists flock to lodges and camps
Share Bookmark Print Email
Email this article to a friend
Friend's Email Address
Your Email
Message
Submit Cancel
Rating
Photo/FILE Tourists gather to view wildebeests crossing the Mara river during a migration in Masaai Mara game reserve, 270 km (165 miles) southwest of capital Nairobi.
By MATHIAS RINGA mringa@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, July 17 2011 at 16:47
Share This Story
37
Share Tourist establishments in national parks and game reserves are packed with holidaymakers who have flocked to the country for wildlife safaris.
Related Stories
UN body paints scenic picture for tourism sector
South Africa seeks to woo more visitors
Serena Hotel gears up for Sh4bn upgrade as it unveils new camp
5.7 per cent economic growth can be achieved, says Uhuru
Empty Tunisian resort highlights tourism woes
According to players in the tourism industry, investors in the sector are doing brisk business with lodges and camps in Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo West and Tsavo East national parks bursting at the seams with guests.
A majority of the tourists are in the country to witness the spectacular migration of wildebeests from Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Mara.
Ashnil Hotels marketing manager Paul Kurgat said their camps in Mara and Samburu are fully booked up to September. The camps have more than 100 beds.
Seven Wonders
Mr Kurgat said most of the tourists were from the US, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
“Tourists from the US and Europe have flocked to the Mara attracted by the migration of wildebeests which is one of the new Seven Wonders of the world,” he said.
“Lodges and camps in Samburu and Tsavo are also packed as holidaymakers have visited to watch wildlife,” he added.
Mr Kurgat said there was a likelihood that the industry may perform better than last year if all goes well in the country.
Things were no different at the Sweet Waters Tented Camp, which was also packed to capacity.
“Since the beginning of this month, we have been busy as tourists are coming here for game drives. Bookings are trickling in for August to December,” manager James Odenyo said.
Sarova Hotels Coast regional general manager Mohamed Hersi said its establishments in Mara and Taita Hills are enjoying good business.
Mr Hersi said Sarova Mara camp, Sarova Salt Lick lodge and Sarova Taita Hills had registered impressive bookings.
“The high tourist season is here with us and the major focus for visitors is wild safaris. Our lodges and camps across the country are enjoying a boom in business,” he said.
“Most of the airlines from Europe have resumed their flights as passengers are coming on holiday in droves. This is a sign that the industry will do better this year,” he added.
Kenya Association of Tour Operators Coast branch chairperson Monika Solanki said tour companies have recorded brisk business in the wake of the high tourist season.
“I am glad that tour firms are now doing well as a result of the high tourist season. We expect good business up to December this year,” Ms Solanki said.
Daily Nation: - Business News |Brisk business as tourists flock to lodges and camps
Friday, 15 July 2011
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in Naivasha
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in Naivasha
TPS Serena has announced a Sh4 billion plan to upgrade the Nairobi Serena hotel as competition intensifies in Kenya’s hospitality industry The revamp will see the hotel chain establish a separate wing adjacent to the Nairobi hotel that will have a 300-seat conference centre, a car park, 40 new rooms and refurbished public areas. The annex will be built on a piece of land that is currently used as a car park by hotel guests.
“If we do not reinvest in improving our properties, then they will become boring especially for repeat customers,” said the TPS Eastern Africa Group managing director, Mr Mahmud Janmohamed.” The expansion will start in December and take three years to complete.
Mr Janmohamed was speaking at the opening of the Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in Naivasha, its 24th property in the six countries it operates in. TPS Serena’s hotels and lodges are located in Kenya, Rwanda, Zanzibar, Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique.
The Sh360 million camp has 24 luxury tents and a furnished suite named Flamingo for travellers seeking privacy and comfort in a natural setting.
Located within a private ranch - the Soysambu Conservancy - 28 Kilometres from Nakuru town and a kilometre from an airstrip, the facility will host tourists visiting Lake Elmenteita. The Lake is the only breeding ground for the white Pelican in East Africa.
Lake Nakuru national park, the Kariandusi pre-historic site and the Kikopey hot springs are other tourist attractions within reach from the camp.
Unlike hotels and lodges that offer a mix of business and pleasure, luxury camps offer an exclusive experience in the wild. It is set on 25 acres within the 40,000 hectare ranch that is home to three species of giraffes. The location will help it tap into the shift in preferences by visitors towards environmental tourism.
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) is the principal shareholder in TPS Eastern Africa Ltd, which runs the Serena hotel chain.
His Highness Prince Amyn Aga Khan, chairman of the AKFED Executive Committee, called on the government to ensure that the relevant infrastructure is installed to support further investments in the country. “We in the Serena Group, are proud and grateful that we have been able to play a leading role in the growth and development of this country.
Prince Amyn said the main aim of investing in Elmentaita Serena Camp was to strengthen the hotel chain’s western Kenya Safari circuit and link it with the Masai Mara Serena Lodge.
Daily Nation: - Business News |Serena Hotel gears up for Sh4bn upgrade as it unveils new camp
TPS Serena has announced a Sh4 billion plan to upgrade the Nairobi Serena hotel as competition intensifies in Kenya’s hospitality industry The revamp will see the hotel chain establish a separate wing adjacent to the Nairobi hotel that will have a 300-seat conference centre, a car park, 40 new rooms and refurbished public areas. The annex will be built on a piece of land that is currently used as a car park by hotel guests.
“If we do not reinvest in improving our properties, then they will become boring especially for repeat customers,” said the TPS Eastern Africa Group managing director, Mr Mahmud Janmohamed.” The expansion will start in December and take three years to complete.
Mr Janmohamed was speaking at the opening of the Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in Naivasha, its 24th property in the six countries it operates in. TPS Serena’s hotels and lodges are located in Kenya, Rwanda, Zanzibar, Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique.
The Sh360 million camp has 24 luxury tents and a furnished suite named Flamingo for travellers seeking privacy and comfort in a natural setting.
Located within a private ranch - the Soysambu Conservancy - 28 Kilometres from Nakuru town and a kilometre from an airstrip, the facility will host tourists visiting Lake Elmenteita. The Lake is the only breeding ground for the white Pelican in East Africa.
Lake Nakuru national park, the Kariandusi pre-historic site and the Kikopey hot springs are other tourist attractions within reach from the camp.
Unlike hotels and lodges that offer a mix of business and pleasure, luxury camps offer an exclusive experience in the wild. It is set on 25 acres within the 40,000 hectare ranch that is home to three species of giraffes. The location will help it tap into the shift in preferences by visitors towards environmental tourism.
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) is the principal shareholder in TPS Eastern Africa Ltd, which runs the Serena hotel chain.
His Highness Prince Amyn Aga Khan, chairman of the AKFED Executive Committee, called on the government to ensure that the relevant infrastructure is installed to support further investments in the country. “We in the Serena Group, are proud and grateful that we have been able to play a leading role in the growth and development of this country.
Prince Amyn said the main aim of investing in Elmentaita Serena Camp was to strengthen the hotel chain’s western Kenya Safari circuit and link it with the Masai Mara Serena Lodge.
Daily Nation: - Business News |Serena Hotel gears up for Sh4bn upgrade as it unveils new camp
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)